The project is being run in partnership with the Aston & Weston Branch of the Royal British Legion and aims to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by men from Aston and Weston and the impact the war had on both communities.

The villages have unique links to the conflict in which 25 men lost their lives, fighting in all the major battles on the Western Front and the major sea Battle of Jutland. The project includes a major exhibition, local school activities, a choral concert, speakers, public debate, plays, readings, commemorative book and an audio CD.

John Holloway from the Aston History Group said: "The project has already attracted a great deal of attention from villagers and we have been delighted with offers of support plus donated and /or loaned artefacts, some of which have come from the frontline trenches. There is a tremendous legacy for Aston and Weston and we want to offer an opportunity for both communities to learn more about the human cost of the conflict. We are specifically engaging with young people to raise their awareness of the effect on individuals, families and communities."
 
The eight day exhibition will be held in the All Saints’ Heritage Centre from 6-13 September and will be officially opened by William Tucker, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. Other activities will be held throughout September and October, culminating in the Remembrance Sunday Parade.

Notes to editors

Aston on Trent Local History Group has a membership of over 50 residents and a monthly programme of meetings and visits. In addition to creating a Heritage Centre and archive, the group has developed ongoing community activities including school workshops, photo exhibitions, history booklets, DVDs, skills training, oral reminiscences, website development, interpretive leaflets and family history kits since its inception in 2004.

The FWW project has been funded with a grant of £8900 from Heritage Lottery Fund, enabling the group to further its aim of providing a multi-media legacy of local history for current and future generations.

Further information

John Holloway  from Aston on Trent Local History Group on 01332 792860, email: john.holloway@astra59.plus.com.